Quick Overview
- 1#1: BarTender - Industry-leading label design and printing software for professional event badges, tickets, and wristbands with advanced automation.
- 2#2: NiceLabel - Cloud-enabled label design and print management software streamlining high-volume event printing tasks.
- 3#3: CardPresso - Intuitive ID badge and card printing software tailored for events and access control.
- 4#4: TEKLYNX - Enterprise-grade label software with barcode, RFID, and compliance features for event printing.
- 5#5: Canva - User-friendly design platform with integrated print services for event flyers, posters, and invitations.
- 6#6: PosterMyWall - Extensive template library for quick customization and printing of event posters and banners.
- 7#7: Adobe InDesign - Professional desktop publishing software for creating high-quality event programs and layouts.
- 8#8: CorelDRAW - Versatile vector design and layout software optimized for precise event print production.
- 9#9: Vistaprint - Online design tool with professional printing services for event marketing materials.
- 10#10: Scribus - Free open-source desktop publishing software for designing event brochures and flyers.
We evaluated tools based on feature breadth (including automation, RFID, and compliance), print quality, ease of use, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver the most effective results for modern event planners.
Comparison Table
Navigating event printing software? Our comparison table breaks down top tools like BarTender, NiceLabel, CardPresso, TEKLYNX, and Canva, helping you identify the right fit for your needs. Discover differences in features, compatibility, and design flexibility to streamline your event materials creation process.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BarTender Industry-leading label design and printing software for professional event badges, tickets, and wristbands with advanced automation. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | NiceLabel Cloud-enabled label design and print management software streamlining high-volume event printing tasks. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | CardPresso Intuitive ID badge and card printing software tailored for events and access control. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | TEKLYNX Enterprise-grade label software with barcode, RFID, and compliance features for event printing. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Canva User-friendly design platform with integrated print services for event flyers, posters, and invitations. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | PosterMyWall Extensive template library for quick customization and printing of event posters and banners. | creative_suite | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Adobe InDesign Professional desktop publishing software for creating high-quality event programs and layouts. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | CorelDRAW Versatile vector design and layout software optimized for precise event print production. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Vistaprint Online design tool with professional printing services for event marketing materials. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Scribus Free open-source desktop publishing software for designing event brochures and flyers. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.8/10 |
Industry-leading label design and printing software for professional event badges, tickets, and wristbands with advanced automation.
Cloud-enabled label design and print management software streamlining high-volume event printing tasks.
Intuitive ID badge and card printing software tailored for events and access control.
Enterprise-grade label software with barcode, RFID, and compliance features for event printing.
User-friendly design platform with integrated print services for event flyers, posters, and invitations.
Extensive template library for quick customization and printing of event posters and banners.
Professional desktop publishing software for creating high-quality event programs and layouts.
Versatile vector design and layout software optimized for precise event print production.
Online design tool with professional printing services for event marketing materials.
Free open-source desktop publishing software for designing event brochures and flyers.
BarTender
specializedIndustry-leading label design and printing software for professional event badges, tickets, and wristbands with advanced automation.
Smart Templates that automatically adapt designs to variable data changes without manual redesign, perfect for dynamic event attendee lists.
BarTender is the leading professional label design and printing software from Seagull Scientific, specializing in barcode, RFID, and variable data labels ideal for event applications like badges, tickets, and wristbands. It offers powerful tools for database integration, serialization, and high-volume printing, supporting thousands of printer models for reliable output. With automation capabilities via Commander edition, it streamlines workflows for events of any scale, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Pros
- Unmatched printer compatibility with over 7,000 Seagull drivers for seamless event printing
- Advanced variable data handling and database connectivity for personalized badges and tickets
- Scalable editions from basic design to enterprise automation for growing event needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users despite intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Annual maintenance fees required for updates and support in perpetual license model
- Overkill for very small events needing only occasional simple prints
Best For
Professional event planners, venues, and corporations handling mid-to-large scale events requiring high-volume, database-driven badge, ticket, and wristband printing.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $495 for Starter, $795 for Professional, up to $2,995+ for Automation/Enterprise editions, plus optional annual maintenance (~20% of license cost).
NiceLabel
specializedCloud-enabled label design and print management software streamlining high-volume event printing tasks.
Automation Engine for print workflow orchestration, enabling hands-free, error-free production of thousands of unique event labels from dynamic data sources
NiceLabel is a robust label design and print management software renowned for its ability to handle complex, variable data printing, making it ideal for event applications like badges, tickets, wristbands, and serialized labels. It features a drag-and-drop designer, seamless database integration, and automation for high-volume production. The platform supports barcode, QR code, and RFID printing, ensuring compliance and efficiency at large-scale events.
Pros
- Advanced variable data and serialization for dynamic event labels
- Strong integration with ERP/CRM systems and databases
- Scalable cloud and on-premise options for high-volume printing
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced automation features
- Pricing geared toward enterprise users, less ideal for small events
- Limited built-in event-specific templates out-of-the-box
Best For
Large event organizers and venues requiring professional, high-volume badge and ticket printing with real-time data integration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; cloud subscriptions start around $500/month for basic teams, scaling to enterprise levels with on-premise licenses from $5,000+ annually.
CardPresso
specializedIntuitive ID badge and card printing software tailored for events and access control.
Integrated encoding support for RFID, smart cards, and magnetic stripes directly in the printing workflow
CardPresso is a professional ID card design and printing software tailored for creating event badges, passes, and credentials with high-quality output. It supports importing attendee data from databases like Excel, live photo capture, and customization via drag-and-drop templates. Advanced editions enable encoding for magnetic stripes, RFID, and smart cards, making it suitable for secure event access control.
Pros
- Comprehensive database integration for bulk attendee badge printing
- Supports photo capture and advanced encoding (RFID, magstripe)
- One-time licensing model with no recurring fees
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to simpler event apps
- Limited native mobile or cloud-based printing options
- Advanced features require expensive XL edition upgrades
Best For
Event organizers and venues requiring professional, secure badge printing with database connectivity for medium to large-scale events.
Pricing
One-time licenses: Free (basic), Standard €99, Professional €299, XL €1,499; optional modules extra.
TEKLYNX
specializedEnterprise-grade label software with barcode, RFID, and compliance features for event printing.
VB.NET scripting engine for custom automation and complex variable data handling in event label production
TEKLYNX offers professional barcode label design and printing software like CODESOFT and LABELVIEW, ideal for creating customized labels, badges, and tickets with variable data, barcodes, and serialization. It supports database integration for pulling attendee information and high-volume printing on thermal and laser printers. While powerful for industrial applications, it can be adapted for event printing needs such as wristbands, access badges, and serialized tickets.
Pros
- Extensive database connectivity for variable event data
- Broad printer compatibility including thermal for high-volume output
- Advanced serialization and RFID encoding for secure badges
Cons
- Lacks native event management or registration integrations
- Steep learning curve for non-design experts
- Primarily industrial-focused, missing event-specific templates
Best For
Mid-to-large event organizers requiring robust, database-driven barcode printing for badges and tickets without needing full event management suites.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $495 (CODESOFT Basic) to $2,995+ (Designer Edition); optional annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Canva
creative_suiteUser-friendly design platform with integrated print services for event flyers, posters, and invitations.
Thousands of print-ready event templates with built-in bleed and crop marks for instant professional results
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that enables the creation of event printing materials like posters, flyers, banners, invitations, and tickets through its drag-and-drop interface and extensive template library. It supports high-resolution exports for professional printing and offers an integrated Canva Print service for direct ordering of physical products. While versatile for small-scale event needs, it focuses more on design than advanced print production workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor accessible to beginners
- Vast library of customizable event templates and elements
- Integrated print-on-demand service with fast turnaround
Cons
- Limited advanced print features like variable data or RIP integration
- Premium templates and assets require paid subscription
- Less suited for high-volume or complex commercial printing jobs
Best For
Small event organizers, marketers, and non-designers seeking quick, professional print designs without specialized software.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $12.99/user/month ($119.99/year); print costs start at ~$10 for posters, varying by size and quantity.
PosterMyWall
creative_suiteExtensive template library for quick customization and printing of event posters and banners.
One-click design resizing across formats like posters, social media, and videos
PosterMyWall is a user-friendly online design platform that enables users to create customizable posters, flyers, banners, invitations, and videos tailored for events and promotions. It offers millions of professionally designed templates that can be edited via a simple drag-and-drop interface, with options for digital sharing or professional printing and mailing directly through the site. The tool is particularly suited for event printing, supporting various sizes and finishes for posters and signage.
Pros
- Vast library of millions of event-specific templates
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor accessible to beginners
- Seamless integration of design, printing, and direct mail services
Cons
- Free tier includes watermarks on downloads
- Limited advanced editing tools compared to professional software
- Some templates feel generic or overly trendy
Best For
Small businesses, event organizers, and community groups needing quick, affordable custom prints without design expertise.
Pricing
Freemium model: free with watermarks; Premium plans from $4.99/month (Basic) to $19.95/month (Premium) for unlimited access, no watermarks, and printing discounts.
Adobe InDesign
creative_suiteProfessional desktop publishing software for creating high-quality event programs and layouts.
Advanced Data Merge for automating variable content in event tickets, badges, and programs
Adobe InDesign is a professional desktop publishing software renowned for creating high-quality print layouts, making it suitable for event printing needs like programs, posters, flyers, invitations, and tickets. It provides precise control over typography, multi-page documents, and color management, ensuring print-ready files optimized for professional output. While not exclusively for events, its advanced tools support scalable designs from small runs to large-scale productions, with integration into Adobe's ecosystem for enhanced workflows.
Pros
- Unmatched precision in layout, typography, and imposition for flawless event printouts
- Data Merge feature for efficient variable data printing like personalized tickets
- Comprehensive preflight checks and PDF export with bleeds/crop marks for pro printers
Cons
- Steep learning curve requires significant training for non-designers
- Subscription-only model lacks perpetual licensing options
- High system resource demands can slow performance on mid-range hardware
Best For
Professional graphic designers and print agencies producing complex, high-volume event materials.
Pricing
Starts at $22.99/month for single-app plan or $59.99/month for full Creative Cloud All Apps; no free tier beyond 7-day trial.
CorelDRAW
creative_suiteVersatile vector design and layout software optimized for precise event print production.
Print Merge for efficient variable data printing, ideal for event tickets, badges, and invitations
CorelDRAW is a professional-grade vector graphics suite designed for creating intricate designs, layouts, and print-ready files. As an event printing solution, it enables users to produce banners, posters, flyers, tickets, and invitations with precise vector tools, advanced color management, and multi-page support. Its robust export options ensure compatibility with professional printers, making it suitable for high-quality event materials.
Pros
- Powerful vector tools and live effects for scalable event graphics
- Excellent print preview, color management, and PDF/X export for production-ready files
- Print Merge for variable data like personalized tickets and badges
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-designers
- Subscription pricing adds up for occasional event use
- Lacks built-in event-specific templates or automation workflows
Best For
Professional graphic designers and print shops producing complex, custom event materials at scale.
Pricing
Subscription: $33/month or $269/year; perpetual license: $549 one-time + $199/year maintenance.
Vistaprint
otherOnline design tool with professional printing services for event marketing materials.
Vast library of professionally designed, event-ready templates for instant customization
Vistaprint is a popular online printing platform that specializes in custom event materials like banners, posters, flyers, invitations, and signage, accessible via an intuitive web-based design tool. Users can select from thousands of templates, upload designs, or use built-in editors to create prints tailored for events such as weddings, conferences, or parties. It excels in on-demand printing with fast shipping options, making it suitable for one-off or small-batch event needs rather than large-scale production.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop design studio with event-specific templates
- Affordable pricing for small quantities and quick turnaround times
- Wide variety of event printing options including banners, posters, and programs
Cons
- Limited advanced editing tools compared to professional design software
- No direct integrations with event management or ticketing platforms
- Print quality can vary for complex designs and shipping adds time/cost for urgent events
Best For
Small event organizers, businesses, or individuals needing quick, affordable custom prints without design expertise.
Pricing
Pay-per-order model with no subscriptions; e.g., 100 flyers from $20, custom banners from $30, discounts for bulk.
Scribus
otherFree open-source desktop publishing software for designing event brochures and flyers.
Advanced PDF/X-3 and preflight tools for guaranteed print-ready event materials without compatibility issues
Scribus is a free, open-source desktop publishing (DTP) software designed for creating professional print layouts such as flyers, posters, brochures, and multi-page documents, making it suitable for event printing needs like programs, tickets, and invitations. It offers advanced features including CMYK support, precise vector graphics, and PDF/X export for print-ready outputs compatible with professional printers. Though not specialized for events, its robust tools allow customization of event-specific materials with high-quality results. Available cross-platform for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Professional print features like CMYK, ICC color management, and PDF/X export
- Cross-platform support and scripting for automation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Dated UI lacking modern drag-and-drop templates for quick event designs
- No built-in collaboration, cloud integration, or event-specific presets
Best For
Budget-limited small event organizers or freelance designers needing powerful, no-cost DTP for custom print layouts.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Conclusion
The top 3 tools showcase diverse strengths for event printing needs: BarTender leads with industry-leading label design and advanced automation for badges, tickets, and wristbands; NiceLabel excels with cloud-enabled management for high-volume tasks; and CardPresso stands out for its intuitive ID badge and access control solutions. Each offers unique value, but BarTender emerges as the clear choice for comprehensive, professional label production.
Explore BarTender today to simplify your event printing process—whether creating precise badges, tickets, or wristbands— and elevate your event’s professionalism.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison